Care for cancer patients with artificial openings
- Colostomy Care
Important Principles:
- A patient with a colostomy must learn the care techniques from the nurse before leaving the hospital so they can be independent in their own care afterward.
- It is beneficial for a family member to learn how to care for the colostomy in case assistance is needed.
- The appearance of the stoma is generally red, and its diameter ranges between 2–5 cm. It swells immediately after surgery and then gradually becomes less red over time.
- There is no pain when touching the stoma tissue because it is nerve-free, but it may bleed slightly during cleaning or wiping. This is normal and not a cause for concern.
- To correctly apply a colostomy bag, the skin around the stoma must remain healthy and dry.
- Before leaving the hospital, the patient should be trained on how to select and apply the colostomy bag and care for the skin around the stoma.
Once the patient has recovered from surgery, they will need to empty the colostomy bag several times a day. The patient will not be able to control when feces and gas enter the bag. It is best to empty it when the bag is less than half full.
